ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Heavy Industries
Revival and modernization plan for Nepa Limited
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi announced a financial package of Rs. 469.41 crore for the Revival and Mill Development Plan  of Nepa Limited, a public sector newsprint company located in Nepanagar, Madhya Pradesh on 3rd October 2018. This package includes an infusion of Rs. 277 crores as equity in the company for the completion of RMDP which shall enhance production capacity to 1,00,000 MT per annum from the present capacity of 83,000 MT per annum, diversify production, improve quality of products and also help resume production at Nepa Ltd. The RMDP is expected to be completed within a year.
A loan of Rs. 101.58 crores has also been approved for the payment of salary andwages. This will reduce the hardship being faced by the Nepa Ltd. employees. A sum of Rs. 90.83 crores was approved for the voluntary retirement scheme of 400 employees. The strategic disinvestment of Nepa Ltd. on completion of the RMDP at an appropriate time was also approved. The completion of the RMDP will help Nepa Ltd. to boost production, diversify its product portfolio and also support employment in the tribal belt of Madhya Pradesh.
Nepa Ltd. is a pioneer news print company located in Burhanpur districtofMadhya Pradesh. NepaLtd. was set up in 1947 and was the only news print manufacturing unit in India up to 1981.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Practise COVID Appropriate Behaviour to protect ourselves and others
Chandigarh, 09 June, 2020
In fight against COVID-19, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has come up with videos on the New Normals to be observed by one and all to stay safe and secure, during these testing times. These video messages highlight the importance and significance of practising the Appropriate Behaviour and Conduct to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19. Following good hygiene, washing hands frequently and following the rules of social distancing when in public will help to contain the spread of COVID-19 infection.
Practise these COVID Appropriate Behaviours to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:
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Greet without Physical contact.
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Maintain physical distance of 6 feet in Public place.
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Wear Reusable Handmade face cover/Mask at all times.
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Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
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Cover nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing.
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Wash hand, frequently and thoroughly with soap & water or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
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Do not chew tobacco, khaini etc or spit in public place.
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Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
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Avoid unnecessary travels.
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Do not discriminate against people affected by Covid 19, their caregivers or anyone supporting the fight against Covid 19.
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Keep number of guests to the minimum if social event cannot be postponed.
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Do not visit crowed places/Avoid mass gatherings.
Watch these videos to know more!
https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA/status/1269943247889039362 
https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA/status/1269963694206668800 
Don't let #COVID19 strike you. Let’s break the chain of #COVID19 by doing our bit. Share this information and help us to help you.
Prime Minister's Office
PM delivers keynote address at High-Level Segment of ECOSOC
PM calls for a reformed multilateralism with a reformed United Nations at its center
Our motto of ‘SabkaSaath, SabkaVikaas, Sabka Vishwas’ resonates with the core SDG principle of leaving no one behind: PM
While marching forward on the path to development, we are not forgetting our responsibility towards our planet: PM
Our grass-roots health system is helping India attain one of the best recovery rates in the world in the fight against COVID: PM
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi delivered a keynote address virtually at this year’s High-Level Segment of the United Nations Economic and Social Council  session on Friday, 17th July 2020 at the United Nations in New York.
This was the first address by PM to the broader UN membership since India’s overwhelming election as a non-permanent member of the Security Council on 17th June, for the term 2021-22.
The theme of the High-Level Segment of the ECOSOC this year is “Multilateralism after COVID19: What kind of UN do we need at the 75th anniversary”.
Coinciding with the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the UN, this theme also resonates with India’s priority for its forthcoming membership of theUN Security Council. Prime Minister reiterated India’s call for a ‘reformed multilateralism’ in a post-COVID-19 world, which reflects the realities of the contemporary world.
In his address, PM recalled India’s long association with the ECOSOC and the UN’s developmental work, including for the Sustainable Development Goals. He noted that India’s developmental motto of ‘SabkaSaath, SabkaVikaas, Sabka Vishwas’ resonates with the core SDG principle of leaving no one behind.
Prime Minister pointed out that India’s success in improving the socio-economic indicators of its vast populationhas a significant impact on global SDG targets.He spoke about India’s commitment to also support other developing countries in meeting their SDG targets.
He spoke about India’s ongoing development efforts, including for improving access to sanitation through the “Swacch Bharat Abhiyan”, empowering women, ensuring financial inclusion, and expanding availability of housing and healthcare through flagship schemes such as the “Housing for All” programme and the “Ayushman Bharat” scheme.
Prime Minister also highlighted India’s focus on environmental sustainability and bio-diversity conservation, and recalled India’s leading role in the establishment of the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
Speaking about India’s role in its region as a first responder, Prime Minister recalled the support provided by the Indian government and Indian pharma companies for ensuring medicine supplies to different countries, and for coordinating a joint response strategy among SAARC countries.
This was the second time that Prime Minister addressed the ECOSOC. He had earlier delivered the keynote address at the 70thanniversary of the ECOSOC in January 2016.
Ministry of Textiles
India gets its first ever Brand & Logo for its Cotton on 2nd World Cotton Day – A Historic Day for Indian Cotton!
Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, Union Minister of Textiles and Women & Child Development launched the 1st ever Brand & Logo for Indian Cotton on 2nd World Cotton Day on 7th October, 2020 through Video Conferencing. Now India’s premium Cotton would be known as ‘Kasturi Cotton’ in the world cotton Trade. The Kasturi Cotton brand will represent Whiteness, Brightness, Softness, Purity, Luster, Uniqueness and Indianness.
Speaking on this occasion, the Hon’ble Minister said, this is a much awaited moment that TODAY the Indian Cotton has been endowed with a Brand & Logo. This event becomes more important as the 2nd World Cotton Day is being celebrated world over today.
The Minister recounted the importance of Cotton in Indian economy. She said, ‘Cotton is one of the principal commercial crops of India and it provides livelihood to about 6.00 million cotton farmers. India is the 2nd largest cotton producer and the largest consumer of cotton in the world. India produces about 6.00 Million tons of cotton every year which is about 23% of the world cotton. India produces about 51% of the total organic cotton production of the world, which demonstrates India’s effort towards sustainability.
Smt. Irani said that to ensure sustainability, integrity and end-to-end traceability of the organic products, a certification system based on comparable international standards verified through internationally acceptable institutional system is required to be put in place. Accordingly, Ministry of Textiles through APEDA under Ministry of Commerce and Industry has prescribed a certification system for organic Cotton which will be introduced in phases in the entire textile value chain. Similarly, prescribing a certification system for non-organic Cotton has also been taken up with APEDA so that usages of cotton can be suitably augmented.
The Minister stated that Cotton Corporation of India  made ever highest Minimum Support Price  operation of cotton and hopeful that during the new cotton season, the procurement under MSP will be increased. CCI has opened 430 procurement centres in all cotton growing states and payments are being made digitally to farmers’ account within 72 hours. Further, leveraging the technology, a mobile app, “Cott-Ally” has been developed by CCI for providing latest news regarding weather condition, Crop situation and best farm practices. Discount of Rs.300/- per candy is being offered by CCI in its regular sale to MSME mills, Khadi and Village industry, Cooperative sector mills to enhance their competitiveness and efficiency. It was also stated that cotton may be used across all dimension of Technical Textiles. Further, Hon’ble Minister has intimated that Government has passed bills for the welfare of the farmers, which also be beneficial to the industries.
Hon’ble Minister graced the inaugural session of the webinar organised by TEXPROCIL and CITI on the theme of “NEW-LOOK COTTON” to facilitate exchange of ideas on the emerging scenarios in cotton usage and application.
Ministry of Culture
Foundation Day of Telangana and Goa celebrated at Raj Bhavan Shillong
In line with the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme of the Government of India, which aims to enhance interaction and promote mutual understanding between people of different states/UTs, the Foundation Day of Telangana and Goa was celebrated at Raj Bhavan Shillong today.
To mark the occasion a cultural evening was organized wherein the Air Officer Commanding in Chief, Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal S. P. Dharkar PVSM, AVSM graced the occasion as the Chief Guest in the presence of Commissioner and Secretary to the Governor, Dr B D R Tiwari.
Addressing the gathering, the Air Marshall lauded the initiative of the central government to celebrate the Foundation Days of various states, which he opined will go a long way in creating better integration and understanding of each other’s language, custom and culture.
Dr B D R Tiwari, in his address gave a brief insight on the history of the states of Goa and Telangana while highlighting their strengths and achievements.
The evening showcased the rich cultural tapestry of Meghalaya presented through the “Shad Shoh Kba” or the harvest dance of the Jaintias; Bharatnatyam dances presented by the Geetanjali Dance Academy and a musical performance by Sur Nongkyndong Orchestra.
The programme was organized by Indian Council for Cultural Relations  Shillong in collaboration with the Department of Arts and Culture, Government of Meghalaya.
The programme was attended by senior officials of the State and Central Government as well as representatives of the State of Goa and Telegana residing in Meghalaya.
Prime Minister's Office
PM to launch 5G services on 1st October
PM to inaugurate sixth edition of India Mobile Congress
Ushering in a new technological era, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will launch 5G services on 1st October at 10 AM in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. 5G technology will provide seamless coverage, high data rate, low latency, and highly reliable communications. It will increase energy efficiency, spectrum efficiency and network efficiency.
Prime Minister will also inaugurate the sixth edition of the India Mobile Congress . The IMC 2022 is scheduled to be held from 1st to 4th October with the theme of “New digital Universe”. It will bring together leading thinkers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and government officials to discuss and showcase unique opportunities emerging from the rapid adoption and spread of digital technology.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Launch of commencement of work ceremony for 10th CGD Bidding Round on 26th August 2019
During 2018-19, PNGRB had successfully completed award of 136 Geographical Areas  for development of City Gas Development Network under 9th & 10th CGD Bidding Rounds. After 10th round, 70% of India’s population, 53% of geographical area, covering more than 400 districts, spread over 27 states and union territories, would have access to CGD network.
Commencement of work for 9th CGD Bidding Round and launch of 10th CGD Bidding Round was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 22nd November, 2018. The Letters of Intent were distributed by Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Minister of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship to successful entities for 50 GAs under 10th CGD Bidding Round in a ceremony held at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi on 1st March, 2019.
Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Steel, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan will launch the “commencement of work ceremony” for 50 GAs awarded under 10th CGD Bidding Round for development of City Gas Development Network on 26th August, 2019 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. These GAs have committed work program of more than 3500 CNG stations, 2 Crore PNG connections and 58,000 Inch KM of steel pipeline over a period of 8 years. These GAs are likely to infuse investment of Rs. 50,000 Crore and generate significant direct and indirect employment in the country.
YB/SK
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Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister appreciates Women's Trap Team on winning Silver medal
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi appreciated spectacular performance of Women's Trap Team, Manisha Keer, Preeti Rajak and Rajeshwari Kumari for winning Silver medal at Asian Games.
Shri Modi said in a X post;
“A spectacular display of skill and precision by our Women's Trap Team, as India wins's Silver Medal in this event! Well done Manisha Keer, Preeti Rajak and @RiaKumari7 for the exceptional performance.”
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Centre secures approval for export of Indian mangoes to USA this season
As per estimates, the export of mangoes in 2022, may surpass the that of 2019-20
The USDA approval to boost export of mangoes from the North East of India
3,000 MT mangoes exported to USA from 2017-2020
The Central Government has secured the approval of the United States Department of Agriculture  for export of Indian mangoes to USA in the new season. Consumers in the United States  would now have access to excellent quality mangoes from India.
The export of Indian mangoes has been restricted by the USA since 2020 as USDA inspectors were unable to visit India for inspection of irradiation facility due restrictions imposed on international travel because of Covid-19 pandemic.
Recently, in pursuant to the 12th India – USA Trade Policy Forum  meeting held on November 23, 2021, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and US Department of Agriculture  have signed a framework agreement for implementing the 2 Vs 2 Agri market access issues.
Under the agreement, India and the US would follow joint protocol on irradiation for India’s mango exports and pomegranate exports to the US and import of cherries and Alfalfa hay from the US.
A revised work plan has been worked out, including phase-wise transfer of oversight of preclearance of Irradiation treatment to India as agreed upon between both the countries.
As part of the mutual agreement, India will be able to export mangoes to the USA in the mango season commencing with the Alphonso variety of mangoes by March onwards. Notably, there is a huge acceptance and consumer preference of Indian mangoes in the USA as India had exported 800 Metric Tonnes  of mangoes to the USA in 2017-18 and the export value of the fruit was USD 2.75 Million.
Similarly, in 2018-19, 951 MT mangoes of USD 3.63 Million were exported to USA and 1,095 MT of USD 4.35 Million of mangoes were export to USA in 2019-20.
As per estimates received from the exporters, the export of mangoes in 2022, may surpass the figures of 2019-20.
The USDA approval would pave the way for exports from traditional mango production belts such as Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority  said that this would also provide an opportunity for the export of other delicious varieties of mangoes from North and East India such as Langra, Chausa, Dushehri, Fazli, etc from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal.
The pomegranate exports from April 2022. Exports of Alfalfa hay and cherries from the USA will begin in April 2022.
Ministry of Finance
Kerala becomes the 8th State to complete ease of doing business reforms; Additional borrowing permission of Rs. 2,261 crore granted
Additional borrowing permission of Rs.23,149 crore granted so far to 8 States for implementation of ease of doing business reforms
Kerala has become the 8th State in the country to successfully undertake “Ease of Doing Business” reform stipulated by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance. Thus, the State has become eligible to mobilise additional financial resources of Rs.2,261 crore through Open Market Borrowings. Permission for the same was issued by the Department of Expenditure on 12th January, 2021. Kerala has now joined the seven other States namely, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, who have completed this reform. On completion of reforms facilitating ease of doing business, these eight States have been granted additional borrowing permission of Rs.23,149 crore. State wise amount of the additional borrowing permitted is as under:
|
|
Sl.No.
|
|
State
|
|
Amount 
|
|
1.
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
2,525
|
|
2.
|
|
Karnataka
|
|
4,509
|
|
3.
|
|
Kerala
|
|
2,261
|
|
4.
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
2,373
|
|
5.
|
|
Odisha
|
|
1,429
|
|
6.
|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
2,731
|
|
7.
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
4,813
|
|
8.
|
|
Telangana
|
|
2,508
The ease of doing business is an important indicator of the investment friendly business climate in the country. Improvements in the ease of doing business will enable faster future growth of the state economy. Therefore, the government of India had in May 2020, decided to link grant of additional borrowing permissions to States who undertake the reforms to facilitate ease of doing business. The reforms stipulated in this category are:
 Completion of first assessment of ‘District Level Business Reform Action Plan’
 Elimination of the requirements of renewal of registration certificates/approvals/licences obtained by businesses under various Acts.
 Implementation of computerized central random inspection system under the Acts wherein allocation of inspectors is done centrally, the same inspector is not assigned to the same unit in subsequent years, prior inspection notice is provided to the business owner, and inspection report is uploaded within 48 hours of inspection.
In view of the resource requirement to meet the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of India had on 17th May, 2020 enhanced the borrowing limit of the States by 2 percent of their GSDP. Half of this special dispensation was linked to undertaking citizen centric reforms by the States. The four citizen centric areas for reforms identified were  Implementation of One Nation One Ration Card System,  Ease of doing business reform,  Urban Local body/ utility reforms and  Power Sector reforms.
So far 10 States have implemented the One Nation One Ration Card System, 8 States have done ease of doing business reforms, and 4 States have done local body reforms. Total additional borrowing permission issued so far to the States who have done the refoms stands at Rs.56,526 crore.
RM/KMN
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Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Agriculture as a Source of Living
According to Periodic Labour Force Survey , 2020-21 conducted by Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation , the percentage of rural workers including small and marginal farmers in the usual status engaged in agriculture sector of the country is 60.8%. As per the Agricultural Statistics At A Glance 2021, India contributed 25.44 % of global production for pulses in the year 2019. India was second largest importer  of pulses in the year 2020-21. There has been record foodgrain production of 310.74 Million Tonnes in the year 2020-21
There is no proposal to introduce a separate budget for agriculture. However, Government of India provides top most priority to the sector which is the backbone of the Indian economy. This is reflected in the fact that budget allocation for the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare is very substantial. It has increased from Rs 27,662.67 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 1,32,513.62 crore in 2022-23, i.e. an absolute increase of 379%.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
The objective of Exam Warriors booklet is to keep students free from all kinds of exam related stress: PM
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has said that the objective of Exam Warriors booklet is to keep students free from all kinds of Exam related stress. Shri Modi was responding to a tweet by Union Minister of State for Education,Smt. Annapurna Devi wherein the Minister informed that students of a school in Kodarma, Jharkhand felt free from exam related tension after reading the Exam Warriors booklet.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
“बहुत अच्छा! विद्यार्थी परीक्षा को लेकर हर प्रकार के तनाव से मुक्त हों, यही तो एग्जाम वॉरियर्स का उद्देश्य है…”
Ministry of Defence
Visit of the Standing Committee On Defence  to HQ Southern Command, Pune
The Standing Committee On Defence  visited HQ Southern Command, Pune on 26 August 2022 to review the ‘Strat Operational Preparedness of Defence Forces’.
The committee was headed by Shri Jual Oram MP & Chairperson, SCOD, who arrived at the Command Headquarter along with 13 other members. During the visit Lt Gen JS Nain, PVSM, AVSM, SM, ADC, Army Commander, Southern Command apprised the committee about the rich history and legacy of the Command since independence, its role and tasks in ensuring the security and territorial integrity of the nation and various other initiatives and measures undertaken by the formation. The briefing was followed by an interaction with the committee. HQ Southern Command is the oldest Command of Indian Army with one of the largest areas of responsibility among all other commands.
The Standing Committee on Defence is a committee comprising of selected Members of Parliament constituted by the Parliament of India for the purpose of legislative overviewing of the defence policies and decision making of the Ministry of Defence.
Ministry of Communications
DoT announces ‘5G & Beyond Hackathon 2023’
100 startups to be awarded 100 lakh for the development of 5G & beyond products/solutions
Department of Telecommunications has been conducting Hackathons for the development of 5G products and solutions. This culminated in the development of 5G products/solutions in different technological verticals.
The DoT invites applications from June 28, 2023 for ‘5G & Beyond Hackathon 2023’, aimed at shortlisting India-focused cutting-edge ideas that can be converted into workable 5G & beyond products and solutions. Hundred winners of the hackathon will share a total prize pool of Rs one crore, and the unique opportunity to scale and implement their 5G products/solutions to make them market ready with the support of mentors from Government, industry, academia, Telcos/OEMs, etc.
The participants can develop 5G & beyond solutions from across multiple categories including Healthcare, Education & Governance, AgriTech & Livestock, Environment, Public Safety & Disaster Management Enterprise, Smart Cities & Infrastructure, Cyber Security, Banking, Finance & Insurance, Logistics & Transportation, Multimedia & Broadcast Satellite, among others.
The 5G & Beyond Hackathon is open to individuals, students, start-ups, and academic institutions in India. Department of Telecommunications invites applications will be received July 31, 2023. For further details https://dcis.dot.gov.in/hackathon.